Common Marmoset

Callithrix jacchus

Common marmosets, sometimes called cotton-eared marmosets because of the large white tufts of hair that surround their ears, are New World monkeys native to the eastern parts of Brazil. Weighing not quite a pound (~14 ounces), these small primates were originally forest dwellers but have been introduced to urban regions and are now commonly seen in large cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. Common marmosets typically live in extended family groups. The common marmoset is considered a tree-gum specialist; their lower incisor teeth are used to excavate holes in gum-producing trees. Though they eat a wide variety of foods, including insects, fruits, small animals, eggs, and tree sap.

Did You Know?

Common marmosets are sometimes called cotton-eared marmosets because of the large white tufts of hair that surround their ears.

Sustainability

Does the harvest for wildlife trade
or captive breeding of this species
harm wild populations?

Significant Cause for Concern

Wild common marmosets are not believed to be imminently at risk of extinction but they are captured for sale as pets and some populations are declining due to habitat destruction.

Harvesting of individuals for the pet trade is considered a main threat to the species’ survival in the wild. Common marmosets are captured and traded illegally in Brazil and neighboring countries. The legal international trade for common marmosets is highly regulated under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

EcoHealthy Recommendation:

The common marmoset is not a recommended pet.

Invasion Threat

Does the release or escape of this species into
the wild harm the environment and/or economy?

Significant Cause for Concern

The common marmoset can adapt to a variety of diets and can inhabit urbanized areas. In southern Brazil, their range has expanded due to intentional and non-intentional introductions, resulting in harm to native wildlife. This has raised concerns that common marmosets could establish self-sustaining populations in the U.S. if they escaped or were released from captivity.

EcoHealthy Recommendation:

The marmoset is not a recommended pet. However, before obtaining any non-traditional pet, check that it is legal to own one in your state of residence and check for permitting requirements. Only acquire a pet that is from a reputable breeder or dealer to ensure that you are not buying an illegally imported or wild-caught animal. Always keep your pet inside a safe and secure enclosure. Never release a pet into the wild.

Ease of Care

Does harvest, captive breeding, transport, or
being kept as a pet harm individual animals?

Significant Cause for Concern

Ease of care of many non-traditional pets depends on the individual owner’s years of experience and knowledge caring for a particular species. For the purposes of this website, we have geared information toward the benefit of the beginner.

Common marmosets are social animals that usually live in pairs or larger family groups. They cannot be kept as solitary pets. They also require a specialized living environment to remain healthy and happy. For example, they need large enclosures —both indoors and outdoors—that have climbing structures, a hiding place where they can retreat for safety, and other items to stimulate their curiosity (e.g., for swinging, gnawing, foraging). They need to be fed a variety of foods (fruits, vegetables, live insects) many times throughout the day, and easily develop dietary-related illness. Because of the specialized care that nonhuman primates (including marmosets) require, many experts agree that these animals should not be kept as pets.

Common marmosets are easily infected with human-borne viruses, many of which can kill marmosets. They are particularly vulnerable to the virus HHV-1 (human herpesvirus 1) that causes cold sores in people but is deadly to marmosets. Captive breeding of common marmosets is also problematic. Research has shown that females bred at a young age have compromised health and a shortened lifespan. Additionally, approximately half of newborns are either rejected or killed by their parents or die from unknown causes.

EcoHealthy Recommendation:

The common marmoset is not a recommended pet.

Health Threat

Does this animal pose a health risk to native
wildlife, humans, livestock and agriculture?

Significant Cause for Concern

Common marmosets, like all nonhuman primate species, are known carriers of many serious diseases that can be transmitted to humans, including numerous internal parasites, respiratory and gastrointestinal bacteria such as Salmonella, Klebsiella, Shigella, Campylobacter, and Yersinia. Common marmosets are also susceptible to human Epstein-Barr virus, the agent of infectious mononucleosis. Mature common marmosets can be unpredictable and highly aggressive to humans, including their owners. They will bite and can cause serious injury.

EcoHealthy Recommendation:

The common marmoset is not a recommended pet. However, before purchasing a non-traditional pet, ensure the animal was captive bred vs. wild caught. Be sure to ask if the animal has been checked by a veterinarian and obtain a list of any medical treatments the animal has received.

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